ARGYLE - District employees in Argyle will soon be armed with weapons on district property, at district-sponsored or -sanctioned events, and at board meetings.

The Argyle school board approved a policy Tuesday allowing a selected undisclosed group of employees to carry firearms on campus. District officials say the policy will take effect by next week.

“Armed staff answers the question: What about the first 1 to 2 minutes in [a] crisis situation where there’s an armed shooter?” Superintendent Telena Wright said Wednesday. “That seems to be a horrific situation that all schools across the nation are attempting to address.

“This is our answer to how we best protect our students,” she said.

Wright said news of the district’s decision to arm employees is being shared with parents via email, text message and social media later today. The information also will be posted on the district’s website.

The decision follows concerns that arose following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting on Dec. 14, 2012. Argyle officials have been discussing the issue since the incident.